Walk us through your CIO path. How did you decide to pursue a career in technology?

I did not initially choose a career in technology.  It was a career path I evolved into as I gained experience through consulting and then in industry. I studied business administration and management in college and joined Arthur Andersen in Management Consulting which led to a successful career weaving technology into solving business challenges and innovating as technology has evolved.  

I have been fortunate to have had several opportunities as a CIO and CTO in a number of organizations which has broadened my practical experience and enabled me to bring solutions across industry segments.

What was the most pivotal challenge you faced as a CIO, and how did you overcome it?

One of the most pivotal challenges I faced as a CIO was navigating digital transformation; modernizing technology infrastructure while staying aligned with business goals. The pace of technological change, shifts in consumer and business behaviors, the rise of cloud computing, and the explosion of data demanded a reimagining of how technology could drive outcomes.

Many organizations were constrained by outdated legacy systems, which limited the ability to integrate new technologies and scale operations effectively. At the same time, the growing risk of cyber threats made security a critical priority, requiring vigilance without stifling innovation. Additionally, finding and retaining skilled IT talent became increasingly difficult due to competition and the complexity of skills needed in areas like cloud, AI, and data analytics. Broad, adaptable skillsets were more valuable than ever, adding another layer of challenge.

Balancing innovation with cost was also essential, as it required justifying technology investments to business leaders while managing tight budgets and ensuring that the business could remain at the leading edge. Furthermore, successful digital transformation demanded a cultural shift, making change management a crucial component. Leading cross-departmental efforts and fostering buy-in was vital, as the success of change management often determined the ultimate impact of new initiatives.

By introducing proven cross-industry solutions, adopting Agile methodologies, and focusing on cloud adoption, we were able to achieve scalability and flexibility while maintaining cost efficiency. Cybersecurity awareness became ingrained in our culture, and fostering alignment between IT and business—from the C-suite to operations—was vital for driving revenue, enhancing customer satisfaction, and improving efficiency.

Ultimately, embracing innovation, prioritizing security, and ensuring deep collaboration with business stakeholders positioned us to lead a successful digital transformation.

How do you decompress from your role as a technology executive?

Decompressing as a technology leader is important as we are never really in “off” mode with the 24/7/365 nature of the world and technologies today.

That said, it is proven beneficial to me to have physical activities and a workout routine.  I have set aside an hour every weekday to either jog or do some weight training.  It helps clear my mind for the day ahead and because the time is set aside first thing early in the morning I am not distracted by the new day and the unknowns that will inevitably pop up.

I also appreciate being mindful and reading whether it is industry-related articles or broader topics on leadership and transformation topics.  

What do you think are the biggest issues facing CIOs in your industry?

Since I have spent the majority of my career in real estate-related companies, I will focus my response there. 

In commercial real estate, digital transformation has become essential, driving process improvements and operational efficiency through new technologies. Effective data management and integration are crucial, given the vast, diverse information sources that need to be streamlined to yield valuable insights.

Enhancing tenant experience and engagement through evolving technologies is also a priority, as seamless communication and interaction are now expected.

Lastly, cybersecurity is indispensable, with a strong focus on safeguarding personal and property data to uphold compliance and ensure protection.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to be a CIO?

Aspiring to be a CIO is an exciting journey and one that is richly satisfying.

Some words of wisdom that I would offer include a drive to embrace lifelong learning and remaining curious about emerging technologies, industry trends and good business practices, regardless of the industry.

Cultivate leadership qualities by leading by example for your teams and peers, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and creating a safe environment for thoughtful experimentation. Embracing setbacks as learning opportunities and remaining resilient in the face of adversity and constant change is essential for any CIO.

What do you like to do for fun?

I am committed to my daily workout routine, enjoying time with family and friends, and cooking. Trying new recipes or mastering existing ones whether in the kitchen or on the BBQ is something I find relaxing and rewarding.  

Can you list the top book that you would recommend for a technology leader to have on their bookshelf/Kindle?

Let me start by saying that I love my Kindle, eBook readers are fantastic tools!  

“The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni; “Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek; and “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries are three books I always recommend.

Can you share a specific quote that is a source of inspiration for you as a leader?

This quote holds deep meaning for me because it captures the essence of what I strive for as a leader, helping others reach their full potential.

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.“

John Quincy Adams

I am profoundly grateful for the teams that have trusted me through the years and I have been fulfilled as their careers have evolved and blossomed. My hope is to always pay it forward and in return, I ask others for the same consideration.